Best VPN for Windows

ExpressVPN is CNET’s pick for the best VPN overall, scoring an 8.8/10 on our VPN rating scale. We appreciate ExpressVPN’s user-friendly Windows app -- and software for other platforms like MacOS, Android and iOS, for that matter. Whether you’re a VPN expert or have never used one before, Express remains intuitive to use yet feature-rich. The veteran VPN provider consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to privacy and transparency while remaining excellent for streaming. 

ExpressVPN’s speeds, though fast enough for most online activities, aren't quite as fast as those of some of its competitors, based on our latest speed tests. In 2024, CNET Labs measured a 24.8% average speed loss with ExpressVPN. While we saw substantially better speeds from NordVPN (11.1% speed loss) and Surfshark (17%), ExpressVPN’s speeds were largely consistent and aligned with our expectations across protocols and server locations. Although we recommend OpenVPN for seriously privacy-concerned users, Express' blazing-fast 15% average speed loss with Lightway on Windows is great for more data-intensive activities like streaming, gaming and videoconferencing. 

ExpressVPN says it collects no logs, a claim bolstered by a 2023 no-logs audit by KPMG. In July 2024, ExpressVPN published its latest transparency report outlining the number of requests its legal team received -- but because of its zero-log policy that's been verified, there was no information to share. In addition to its transparency efforts, ExpressVPN’s privacy protections are top-notch and forward-thinking. The provider recently upgraded its proprietary open-source Lightway VPN protocol with Quantum Protection to help guard against future threats from quantum computers, along with encryption enhancements to better protect against threats like eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks. ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology elevates the protections of the traditional RAM-only server architecture by reinstalling the entire software stack with every reboot.   

Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, an easy-to-use interface and an expansive global network. It's also still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark amenities include camouflage mode (which hides the fact that you're using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You'll also get access to Surfshark's CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks. 

One innovation we particularly appreciate is Surfshark’s Nexus network, which connects the VPN's entire network of servers and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it's faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN, which can be especially beneficial to users with critical privacy needs. Surfshark says it doesn't log any user activity. Although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, Surfshark passed a third-party no-logs audit by Deloitte. 

Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. CNET Labs clocked an impressive 17% average speed loss in autumn 2023 tests, just shy of NordVPN’s best-in-class 11%. Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix, Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video content in our tests. Surfshark keeps its prices lower than most other VPNs, making it an outstanding value. You’ll pay $15 monthly, $45 for the first year or $60 total for your first two years. Both the annual and 24-month plans jump to $60 per year for any additional 12-month cycles. Despite its wallet-friendly pricing, we don’t recommend the two-year plan because of how quickly things change in the VPN market.

NordVPN remains a popular virtual private network option due to its fast connections, privacy-focused features and excellent geo-unblocking for streaming services. Its user-friendly design -- including a polished Windows app -- that doesn't compromise on settings makes it an outstanding choice for casual VPN newcomers and seasoned power users alike. At $13 per month, $60 annually or $82 total for your first two years, NordVPN sets you back less initially than premium VPN rivals like ExpressVPN, but more than budget-oriented companies like Surfshark and PIA. However, subsequent price hikes drive the price to $100 per year, which aligns with many other VPN providers, including Express.

We appreciate NordVPN's commitment to privacy and security. In addition to features like Onion over VPN (Tor) and a Double VPN, which deliver additional encryption, a 2023 audit by Deloitte backed up its no-log claims for improved transparency. Folks with serious privacy needs can even buy a Nord subscription with cryptocurrencies for pseudo-anonymity. Though zero-logging policies are challenging to verify with absolute certainty, third-party audits provide peace of mind. On the entertainment side, we had no issues streaming US and UK Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus libraries on most devices. Aside from Windows, Nord runs on virtually any platform you can think of, including MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, browsers and even Apple TV.

NordVPN solidified itself as the fastest VPN in our 2024 speed tests, particularly using its proprietary NordLynx protocol (a WireGuard derivative). Using the NordLynx VPN protocol, we clocked an average internet speed loss of just 3.2% with Windows and 12.6% on MacOS. Even its OpenVPN speed loss was a blazing-fast 10.1% average on MacOS and 18.8% on Windows. We do recommend an OpenVPN connection for more privacy-critical users, but you can expect fast speeds either way. NordVPN’s global server network comprises more than 6,300 servers spanning 111 countries after a recent server expansion, keeping its server reach among the best in the VPN world. Overall, NordVPN sports advanced privacy features in an intuitive service. 

ProtonVPN is one of the few free VPNs we recommend, and boasts an outstanding paid tier as well. The no-cost option provides access to servers in five countries, unlimited monthly usage and excellent privacy. While you can't choose a server -- you're automatically shuffled onto one -- and there's only support for one device, Proton's zero-dollar plan doesn't plaster your screen with ads or sell your data. Its premium package sports 6,500-plus servers in 112 countries, outstanding streaming service unblocking for sites like Netflix and 10 simultaneous connections -- the same as NordVPN, more than ExpressVPN but lower than the unlimited allowance that Surfshark and PIA provide.

The Swiss-based VPN company Proton prioritizes privacy with its privacy-friendly jurisdiction, open-source apps and strict no-logs policy that's been audited. Additionally, it offers a Stealth VPN protocol alongside OpenVPN, WireGuard and IKEv2 that is better at bypassing firewalls or other VPN-blocking programs than other VPN protocols. Because of its Stealth VPN protocol on Windows support, reader-friendly privacy policy, privacy-friendly jurisdiction and top-notch transparency, Proton is one of the best Windows VPNs for privacy-conscious users.

If you're a political activist, investigative journalist, asylum-seeker or paranoid torrenter, ProtonVPN is a compelling virtual private network solution. Even if you're more concerned about unblocking foreign Netflix libraries, Proton is still an outstanding choice. Thanks to its MacOS, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, Fire TV and Linux GUI apps, Proton isn't just a solid Windows VPN -- it's a terrific multi-device VPN.